The departure from Skagos was met with more fanfare than their arrival. Word of the agreement between the "dragon king" and the clan heads spread like wildfire throughout the island. Tytos had expected the Skagosi to be more skeptical about Targaryen rule, but with the emergence of the dragons and the approval from their leaders the Skagosi were more than willing to go along with the change of leadership.
Maester Qyburn had an official treaty drafted that was signed by the crown prince and the clan heads, now officially recognized as the houses of Crowl, Magnar, and Stane by the Iron Throne. King Aerys wasn't here to give his signature, but Tytos had little doubt that he would accept it once it got back to King's Landing.
The official territories of the new houses would be confirmed at a later date, once prince Rhaegal was able to get a full account of the land. In the meantime, the three houses were expected to keep the king's peace and end their constant skirmishes over the rich valleys.
Unfortunately, prince Rhaegal was unable to leave anyone on the island to enforce the peace, but no doubt he was using this as a means to test whether the Skagosi would honor their word or not. It wouldn't be too long before an official outpost was established on the island, but that would have to happen after their trip to the North concluded.
Prince Rhaegal had asked for a representative from the Skagosi to come with him, to instruct him further on the happenings on the island for later use. No doubt it had to be someone who was not openly in favor of any of the three Skagosi houses. Fortunately, the three men had nominated someone from one of the smaller clans who happened to live in the mountain. He belonged to the area that was considered neutral by the three clans, and so existed outside their control. Tytos wasn't sure how that worked, but that was the explanation that they were given. This Skagosi was also part of the cult that held the mountain as sacred, and as a result had given their reverence to the "winged demon." It went without saying that they held prince Rhaegal in high regard now that he had three winged demons of his own.
Tytos was sure that soon most of Westeros would come to regard the prince in the same manner.
Where did that leave him?
Tytos had been pondering many things ever since the previous day. He had been stuck in his head even when the prince decided to go on an impromptu hunt before they headed back to the ships. Apparently Euron and Oberyn had talked him into it after raving about how exciting it had been. Now that the three clans had bent the knee, the prince felt more secure about taking part. There was little risk of them being ambushed in the woods now that an official agreement had been signed.
Sure enough, hunting wild unicorns was not an experience that they could have anywhere else. They were more abundant on the island than Tytos would have guessed, and he felt a sense of accomplishment in hunting one and taking a trophy for himself.
It was well into the afternoon when they departed back to the beachhead with their new tagalong. Their forces marched with a sense of satisfaction. They had all seen the three dragons for themselves, and the mood among the men was one of serenity and joy.
All of these men were sworn to the prince and house Targaryen, so it was no surprise that they were feeling overjoyed about their success here. It was kind of an open secret now that the main reason that they had embarked on this journey was for the dragons. To be a part of that expedition and succeed, while fighting alongside their prince….well, to say that they were feeling prideful would be an understatement.
The men back at the beach were soon sharing in that pride when they saw the dragons for themselves. Monford and his father were left gaping like a fish out of water when their eyes first landed on the three baby dragons.
At least Tytos knew that they hadn't been aware of the dragon eggs either.
The princes had kept the truth to themselves right until the very end it seemed.
They loaded their supplies and men back on the fleet with a large crowd seeing them off. It felt similar to their departure from Dragonstone, only now it was from a bunch of people that Tytos had considered savages just days prior. He still did to some degree. After all, they had some bizarre practices that he could not agree with. Like human sacrifices. It might not be as extreme as many thought, but the fact that they practiced it all made Tytos feel uneasy.
Regardless, they were soon sailing away from the island as they started their journey down to White Harbor, where they were originally supposed to land almost a week ago.
House Manderly was probably stricken with worry about their late arrival. Tytos wouldn't be surprised if they had already sent ravens to Winterfell and King's Landing warning them of their disappearance.
'If only they could see this right now.'
Tytos was stuck sitting in between a laughing Mace and a calm Stannis as they dined alongside prince Rhaegal and his brother. Everyone was present, including the dragons. Even days after their birth, the novelty of seeing them had not worn off. Tytos could hardly look away as he watched the three hatchlings fight over a piece of meat in the middle of the table.
"I fear we may have some gluttons on our hands," Prince Rhaegal joked as he raised his cup.
"Do they eat anything besides meat?" Oberyn wondered.
"Past texts suggest that, for the most part, they do not," Qyburn answered. "It just depends on the type of meat. Some prefer sheep. Others cattle. Some lived exclusively off fish for example."
"I wonder how long the wildlife around King's Landing will survive!" Mace exclaimed before adding, "My prince, rest assured! If you are ever short on livestock, just send word to Highgarden. We will be more than happy to accommodate your dragons and their needs!"
Well. Wasn't he eager to score favor with the prince? The Tyrell had been pleasant even before the dragons showed up, but since then his subservience had tripled.
Not that Tytos could blame him. It was clear to him what was going on. House Targaryen was recovering its past strength. Prince Rhaegal alone had done much for his house. In the Riverlands, many did not believe that the crown prince was behind some of the policy decisions that the crown had taken in the past several years. They saw it as the work of the Hand. The Lannister had proven himself ruthlessly effective when it came to his station, more so than the king, so many lords were happy to discount the rumors that the crown prince was gifted in ways other than his magic.
A way to protect their pride no doubt. The realm had gotten used to their autonomy. The Targaryens had been forced to make concessions many times over the years. Since they lost their dragons, the crown was unable to assert their control as directly as in the old days. They did not want to imagine a resurgence in crown authority at the hands of a Targaryen who could wield flames like the pyromancers of Old Valyria. It would just diminish their own power, and that frightened them.
Tytos had seen the truth for himself on Dragonstone. The crown prince was capable. Even without his magic, he was driven and talented. He was a great fighter already, and he had a mind befitting of a king.
Adding magic and dragons on top of that? Well, that just wasn't fair.
If Tytos was a more religious man, then he would say that the gods were once again favoring the Targaryens.
He still just might.
There lay the crux of the issue.
Underneath this festive mood, sharp undercurrents were already forming. Tytos could see it in his mind. The crown prince had great ambitions, and although he hadn't been around his distant cousin for too long he was starting to understand him.
All of this was just the beginning. Prince Rhaegal's ambitions were far bigger than just resurrecting the dragons….yes, such an asinine statement was true. Tytos could not even begin to guess where the prince's mind was at, but if Skagos was any indication than his plans weren't small.
The Velaryons and their fleet. The Skagosi men. The Alchemists' Guild. The red priestess. The new shipping lanes and censuses. All of this painted a picture, one that was filled with greater control.
The current Westeros was not shaped this way. The lords were not used to direct oversight from the crown.
There were going to be collisions, and Tytos was worried. On Skagos, the prince had demanded outright submission without bothering to consider how it might be taken, which then resulted in a battle. To Rhaegal, it was natural to expect obedience, for all of Westeros belonged to him and his house.
Was it just the typical Targaryen arrogance that they were known for?
'No, if I were him, I would probably also feel similarly.'
The prince's abilities could not be understated, nor could the effects that they would have on a person.
Was it really arrogance when one had the skill to back up their words?
Still, some lords would see it that way, as mere arrogance. Tytos did not know what was going to happen in the future, but he did not want conflict to break out where it might otherwise be avoided. Already he was dreading their meeting with the Starks and what the prince will say to them about Skagos. Thankfully, while the prince was brash in a way, he was also not one who enjoyed needless violence either. His talks with the Skagosi proved that. Rather than take further offense at their lack of etiquette and initial attack, he had accepted their surrender and willingness to bend the knee to him.
There was room for negotiation here. Tytos was just afraid to be the one to bring it up.
"Oh, wine. How I've missed you," Oberyn nearly moaned as he drank from his cup.
"I thought you preferred the Dornish variety," Arthur said.
"After being forced to go clean for several days, I'll take anything other than water at this point."
"You exaggerate," Rhaegal said with a small grin.
"I grew up on this stuff. It's what feeds me."
"Now that's just worrying." Rhaegar muttered.
Oberyn scoffed. "What, do the two of you not partake? Do you prefer tea with the ladies perhaps?"
Arthur shook his head. "Your mother would not approve of you saying that."
"Dornish women are an exception of course!" Oberyn raised his fist. "They're allowed to be more true to themselves."
Stannis raised an eyebrow at this. "And that means being drunk?"
"Exactly! Makes life easier. And more tolerable."
"If being drunk is the only way that they can be tolerable, then I worry for the men who marry them," Rhaegal mused.
Oberyn smirked. "Oh, don't say that, my Targaryen prince. Aren't you the one who's smitten over a Dornish woman already? Well, I suppose she's not fully a woman yet!"
Oberyn's words caused Arthur to look uncomfortable while Mace nearly spat out his drink in befuddlement.
'The Dornish prince is more than a little forward,' Tytos thought with an internal sigh.
Rhaegal did not look bothered by the comment as he chuckled. "I know I've exchanged letters with your sister before, but to say that I'm smitten would be overselling it."
"Oh?" Oberyn chuckled as well. "My dear sister will be quite disappointed to hear that. She's always talking about you."
"Friendships such as hers are more valuable than gold."
Tytos did not need to be politically savvy to understand what was going on.
'You're too forward,' he once again thought while eyeing the laughing Oberyn.
Despite the provocation, the good mood around the table did not sour. Only Ser Barristan and Ser Gerold remained neutral, but the two were on duty as they stood watch by the door.
"Do you think it'll be snowing in Winterfell?" Monford's question brought Tytos' focus back to the table.
"At this time of the year? Not likely." Stannis was the one who answered. "It wasn't snowing on Skagos."
The island had still been cold. Tytos could only imagine how cold Winterfell was going to be.
"That place always has snow, even when it isn't falling," Euron said with a dismissive wave.
"Oh?" Rhaegar spoke up. "Have you ever been far North?"
"No, but I've read enough. I'm not sure how anyone can stomach living up there."
"I've heard the Iron Islands can get cold too," Arthur said.
"More wet than cold." Euron chuckled at his own words. "But we get plenty of both. Nothing like the North, though."
"That won't be a problem for the dragons, will it?" Mace asked, looking worried.
Rhaegal answered, "We'll have to wait and see. Once, Queen Alysanne traveled as far north as the Wall, so I'm certain that the dragons will be fine. They are fire made flesh."
Tytos couldn't begin to wrap his head around the concept.
"And what will your strategy be, my prince?" Oberyn leaned in forward as he placed his cup down on the table. "When the Starks begin questioning us about our disappearance. No, even before that. When we reach White Harbor, what will we tell them?"
Tytos perked up. He wanted to know as well.
Melisandre suddenly chuckled from where she sat next to prince Rhaegal. Unlike the rest of them, she had barely touched her food.
"You presume too much, my lord." Was she trying to insult him? Tytos wasn't certain. "The Starks serve our beloved prince and his family. What do they have to complain about?"
"Oh, you know. Just taking over an entire island that's supposedly under their dominion." Oberyn didn't look bothered by her words. He just pressed on. "I'm sure that's going to get a lot of people talking."
Rhaegar glanced at his brother. "While I would word it differently, I believe that prince Oberyn raises a good point."
"Hmm." Instead of responding right away, Rhaegal took a few moments to look over the table. Apart from the Skagosi that had accompanied them, Lucerys, Ser Brynden, and the Celtigars, they were all here. "I was expecting my cousin to be the one to bring this up, not you."
Stannis looked confused. "I?"
Rhaegal shook his head with some dry amusement. "No, my mistake. I should have been more clear." Tytos didn't know what his expression was when Rhaegal turned his gaze on him, but he was sure that he looked a little startled at least. "You and Ser Brynden had the same look when I ratified the agreement with the Skagosi. And he's already broached the subject with me."
He had? Tytos was caught off guard, but he quickly recovered. If Ser Brynden had been able to speak his mind, then perhaps it was safe for him to do so too. The last thing he wanted was to earn the prince's ire by questioning things.
"It's going to ruffle their feathers for sure," Oberyn said.
"What do they have to complain about?" Mace was more dismissive. "House Targaryen is well within their rights to do as they please! Do they not serve the crown? Questioning their actions would be the same as treason!"
There was no reason for Tytos to wonder where the Tyrells were going to stand in the future.
Euron looked annoyed. "Do we have to talk about this here? It's not like it's going to change anything."
"You're not interested?" Oberyn asked, turning to him.
"I don't care."
The Greyjoy was socializing more, but when it came to matters of politics they always seemed to bore him.
Rhaegal was still looking at Tytos. "Well, cousin? I'm curious to hear what you have to say. Will it be the same arguments as Ser Brynden? Or do you have something new to bring to the table?"
Well, that wasn't fair. Tytos had no idea what the knight had said. It also made it difficult for Tytos to gauge how sincere the prince was when he called him "cousin." Was it just a way to try and manipulate him?
No, he was probably being paranoid. It made little sense, after all. Compared to the others here, not counting Arthur, his house had the smallest reach. His father was hoping for there to be a connection between the Blackwoods and the crown again, but Tytos was still left feeling suspicious about the prince's motives.
And yet, he had asked for Tytos' opinion, and he was going to give it to him.
"I believe that you shouldn't push too much, my prince," Tytos began slowly. "Skagos has belonged to the North for a long time. Even before the Conqueror arrived in Westeros. The kings in the North made it their own. Taking it now without consulting the Starks will raise many concerns. It could cause animosity with all the houses in the North."
"Hm." Rhaegal tapped his finger on the table, taking a second to ponder Tytos' words. "I wonder what the old kings would have said if Aegon had first asked for their lands rather than seizing them for himself."
What?
Tytos was dumbfounded. He wasn't sure how to respond to that.
Rhaegal chuckled as he waved his hand. "It was merely a jest, cousin. Do not fear. I asked for your opinion for a reason." Rhaegal glanced at the others. "There are times where I will need an outside perspective. Ultimately, my decisions are my own, but having more information never hurts."
That made Tytos feel more emboldened.
"You've thought about it at least," Rhaegar said. "About what to say."
"Somewhat." Rhaegal's eyes narrowed. "Skagos belongs to house Targaryen now. That fact will not change. However, I also understand that I must offer some recompense. I just haven't decided on what."
There it was again. Like on Skagos, the prince was approaching the situation from a very different perspective than how Tytos would have. Rather than trying to bargain for the island, he had already decided from the start that it was going to be his. It was only a matter of offering some token of recompense to the Starks for it.
It was a very heavy handed way to negotiate, and Tytos knew that many lords wouldn't appreciate that.
Still, what was there to do about it?
'I'm sure Ser Brynden must have cautioned the prince,' Tytos thought.
The knight knew how such an attitude would be met by the realm. If the prince was not deterred, then he must have judged the concerns unnecessary.
Or perhaps there was something else that he was missing. Tytos wasn't certain.
What he did know was that their arrival to the North was upon them, and with it would come the news of the dragons as well.
This left Tytos returning to the question from before: where did this leave him? The same was true for his house. If his father were here, what would he do?
Despite his concerns with the prince's way of thinking, Tytos knew that he didn't have to think too much on it. He had seen the abilities of the prince for himself. He had also seen the return of the dragons for himself, with said creatures currently lounging on the table before him without a care in the world. He wasn't stupid, and neither was his father.
That, and he genuinely believed that his prince was not a bad person. He wasn't trying to cause discontent for the sake of it. He was fighting for the prosperity of his house, the same as any other man would.
The winds were changing, and the lords throughout the Seven Kingdoms were going to have to realize that they could no longer oppose the crown the same way that they had up to this point.
This trip had at least shown Tytos which direction he was going to navigate moving forward.
It was with this final thought that the young heir to Raventree Hall finally allowed himself to relax and enjoy his meal as the conversations continued around him.
---
Lord Wyman Manderly found himself flummoxed.
For several weeks, he had been in high spirits. For the first time since the days of the Conciliator, White Harbor was going to play host to a royal procession. It had been nearly two centuries since a Targaryen had bothered to come this way honorably. There was one time during the Dance when one of the Strong boys flew on his dragon to try and convince the Starks to fight for Rhaenyra Targaryen, but the circumstances were different back then. The realm was currently at peace, and so things could be handled more amicably.
Wyman had ordered his castle and even the entire city to be ready to greet the crown prince and his entourage, which also included his twin brother. Two Targaryen princes, coming to his lands. It was a great honor.
The best food and drinks available in his lands were prepared, as well as the best rooms. White Harbor was the most prosperous city in the North, and Wyman planned to showcase that to the crown prince. He had been watching the happenings in King's Landing over the recent years with great interest. This new crown prince appeared to be interested in setting up new trade routes with the east and had found some success already. Wyman wasn't sure if the prince was just lucky, but expanding the crown's trade routes just as Essos devolved into a trade war was more than a little beneficial. Since the Iron Throne had not openly supported any one side, all the Free Cities were eager to maintain their trade. No doubt some saw the inherent danger in this, but there was little that they could do about it. What was the alternative, just deny trade and have your city suffer in the process?
However, while there was great improvement in the southern kingdoms, there was barely little change in the North. The land was still miserable, and trade through the main roads was as slow as always. White Harbor had the benefit of its port, and trade was flowing in and out through the markets as it always did.
The rest of the North wasn't so fortunate.
Recently many had come to regard Wyman as craven and foolish, mostly due to his appearance. Ever since becoming Lord of White Harbor, Wyman had let himself go, and now his massive belly strained underneath his velvet green doublet. Wyman did not mind these descriptions, as it helped to hide the shrewd and calculating man underneath. His persona helped people feel more secure around him, and what tongue wagged more than a secure one?
It was because of his true nature that Wyman was starting to see the plots that were forming around him, most notably in regards to his liege lord, Rickard Stark. He did not know the exact nature of the man's correspondence with the Eyrie, but years of being a lord taught him that it was not a normal one. There was something more than a friendship brewing there.
These thoughts were fueled by the knowledge Wyman had about the type of man Rickard Stark was. Ambitious. For the first time since the Dance, there was a Stark who was turning his gaze down south, and a part of Wyman feared for the future. There were many whispers coming out of King's Landing, and the Seven Kingdoms were rapidly changing. Sure, the stability that many had hoped for from Jaehaerys' reign had instead manifested itself during his son's reign, but this was still an unsettling time. As the Targaryens tightened their grip over the Crownlands, many wondered if they would eventually do the same to the rest of the realm.
Politics. It never ended.
Regardless of these thoughts, Wyman and by extension his house were all loyal to the Starks. If Rickard Stark had southern ambitions, then Wyman would support him. He felt that there was more that they could do on their own to become self-sufficient, but he would not disobey the Starks. House Manderly owed them too much for that.
And yet, here he sat in his keep, his large fingers clasped in front of him as he tried not to panic over the disappearance of the crown prince and his fleet. Judging by the distance from Dragonstone to White Harbor, they should have arrived by now. As was customary, the crown prince had sent a raven beforehand detailing the time and day of his departure from Dragonstone. This would give Wyman the forewarning he needed to be prepared to greet him.
But there was no one. No ships from Dragonstone had reached the port city as of yet, and Wyman was worried. Before he had been alarmed by the number of ships that the crown prince was reportedly bringing with him, but now those thoughts were replaced with anxiety and fear.
He had sent a raven to Winterfell a couple of days ago warning Rickard Stark of the situation, and with another day passing Wyman had sent a raven to King's Landing as well.
Wyman was dreading the king's response.
As he tried to think about what to do next, whether he should send some ships of his own in order to see if they could locate the crown prince's fleet, his eldest son burst into his private room.
It was the first time in years that Wyman was seeing his son run, and Wylis Manderly was certainly feeling the strain on his body as he gasped for air. His food stained clothes struggled to keep his round belly constrained as he panted.
"Son, what's the matter?" Wyman was instantly on alert. Anything that had his usual quiet and formal son acting like this was cause for concern.
"F-Father." He struggled to speak as he caught his breath. "Ships. A large number of them. They've been sighted approaching White Harbor. They bear the arms of the Velaryons and Targaryens."
The crown prince! He was finally here!
Relief began to flow through Wyman as his muscles relaxed in his chair.
"I see. That is wondrous news." He allowed himself to feel content for a few moments before he composed himself. "Have your brother join us at the harbor to greet the crown prince. We must greet them as best we can!"
---
Ser Marlon Manderly carried out the last minute preparations as best he could. No one was expecting for the crown prince to suddenly show up today, not after his disappearance. This did not mean that he was going to go easy on the security. The last thing they needed was for the crown prince to suffer an accident while in their lands.
He mobilized his men to secure the streets while he joined his cousin and his two sons on the harbor to await the prince's ship. He knew that his cousin had many questions about the late arrival of the crown prince, but right now they all felt relief at the fact that his ships turned up at all.
Just what could have happened?
With the mobilization of the garrison in the city, the populace began to stir up. The people had heard that a Targaryen was coming to their city, and to them it would be the first time in their lives that they were seeing a Targaryen in person. To say that they were excited would be an understatement. Marlon himself had only seen the Targaryens from afar, and that was only during the War of the Ninepenny Kings when he had spotted a young Aerys Targaryen walking about in camp.
Their Valyrian looks were more than a little striking, something he was begrudged to admit.
Marlon let those thoughts drift away as the flagship of the prince's fleet began to dock at the harbor.
Despite his cousin's immense size, the Lord of White Harbor stood straight as he prepared to greet the crown prince and his entourage for the first time.
However, whatever words his cousin might have had to greet the crown prince with surely died in his throat when they noticed something very remarkable.
Crown Prince Rhaegal disembarked from the ship first, leading his group as they walked closer to Wyman and the others. Perched on the prince's shoulders were two small dragons who were chirping and hissing as their eyes darted about, trying to take in their new surroundings. If Marlon was not so shocked by the sudden appearance of the now mythical creatures, then he would have noticed a third dragon resting on prince Rhaegar's shoulder as well.
Marlon should have known that a Targaryen visiting his city would only bring more trouble than it was worth.
---
Elia Martell had spent the better part of two weeks in King's Landing.
Her experience was a mixed bag thus far.
The city stank. Ashara had not been lying when she had warned her of this. She did not know how anyone could tolerate walking the streets with such a filthy odor always permeating the nose. Apart from one walk, with a proper escort of course, Elia had limited her time in the city. She would rather spend her time in the Red Keep where the air was more tolerable, if barely.
She still remembered the first day when she arrived at court. Her uncle had been sworn in as the newest member of the Kingsguard. King Aerys had proclaimed as such in a ceremony before the Iron Throne. The High Septon himself had shown up to the throne room to offer his blessing to the appointment. It was not something that was mandatory, but it did add more pomp and flair to the whole event.
With the ceremony concluded, her uncle took his place as one of the most renowned knights in the Seven Kingdoms. With Ser Gerold and Ser Barristan not present, it was Ser Harlan that currently led the group. Alongside the two knights were also Ser Gwayne Gaunt, Ser Oswell Whent, and Ser Jonothor Darry. The last two had been the newest appointments before her uncle.
Now, the Kingsguard was once again at full membership.
Elia was proud of her uncle but also a little guilty. She knew that the man had no true desire to take up the white cloak. His proclamation to the king years ago had been orchestrated by her mother. For a long time now the Dornish presence in court had waned. In addition to trying to secure a royal marriage, her mother had tasked her uncle with joining the Kingsguard in order to increase the prestige of their house.
It was also done for Elia's protection. If a royal marriage came to pass, then her mother did not want her left at court to fend for herself. And Elia was no longer just referring to Rhaegal. With the birth of a Targaryen princess, things had become more complicated. Her mother had warned her that as long as Shaena Targaryen lived, the king would never consider another match for his son.
Elia had not been able to see much of the princess during their brief time on Dragonstone. She had been present in the throne room when Elia first greeted the king, asking if she could join the princess's circle of ladies. She had not missed the condescension in the king's voice when he accepted her proposal, allowing her to have a place in his court. He was looking down on her, but there was also recognition in his eyes. Her mother had once told her that the king was arrogant and thus easy to fool, but in that moment she wondered if her mother had not underestimated the king, for Elia had little doubt that the man was aware of what she was actually trying to do.
And yet, he accepted her all the same.
Princess Shaena welcomed her with grace but with little acceptance of her own, choosing to spend more time with Ashara and the other young ladies that had been welcomed into the court before her. These included a lady from Stokeworth, another from house Massey, and a Velaryon girl not from the main branch of the family. Ashara was technically part of the queen's ladies, but apparently she spent more time around the princess than she did the queen. Because of it, she had earned the trust of the young girl. It did not take Elia long to discern that Ashara was probably the closest confidant to the princess outside of her family.
'To think that the Daynes have carved out a place for themselves in the court like this.'
Elia would not lie and say that she wasn't a little taken aback by all of this. She knew that Arthur and Ashara were close to Rhaegal and Rhaegar, but seeing it for herself was something else. If she did not know any better, then she would think that all of this was a plot of some kind by the Daynes in order to achieve more political power.
Maybe it was because they were not trying to approach the royal family for gain that they were able to be so successful?
Elia felt exhausted the more she thought about her situation. She knew her mother wanted to bring more prestige to Dorne, and she had not been lying when she told Ashara that she wasn't here just to get close to Rhaegal. For her mother had said that if she could secure a match with Rhaegar that would also be acceptable.
The problem was that Elia had little interest in Rhaegar. She found the prince attractive enough, and certainly he had his own charm. But he also lacked the fire that made Rhaegal all the more alluring to her. She had only met them once, but Elia had never forgotten the show that Rhaegal had put on for her. It was like she was watching a piece of history unfold right in front of her eyes. The fact that he was to be king one day, along with his Targaryen looks…well, any girl would fall for him. Rhaegal was younger than her, but already he was growing into the man he was going to be.
And she could easily and happily imagine herself being pinned down by that man. And if she gave him children that could inherit his flames, then Elia would be all the more happy.
No doubt Ashara thought the same.
Except now there was an obstacle in their way.
Princess Shaena was a bright girl. She would spend her time outside of her lessons riding with Ashara outside of the city under constant watch. Apparently it was something that she loved to do with her brothers. Ser Willem Darry had been assigned as her constant shadow under the advice of Rhaegal, and the king had agreed.
There were times that prince Daeron would join them as well, but the queen was already displeased with her daughter riding on horseback despite being so young and she did not want to endanger her youngest as well, so his time was limited.
Elia felt like the queen was far too overprotective of her children, but given the loss that she had suffered at a young age perhaps it was understandable. Her children were the future of her house, and more than that they were all the family that she had left.
Princess Shaena hadn't been shy about asking Elia's uncle for more practice with the bow either. Surprisingly, the king gave his approval, and sometimes he came to watch alongside the queen and prince Daeron.
From all of this, Elia understood that the princess had more interest in the activities that were usually meant for boys, finding needlework and embroidery to be too boring.
It was something that Falyse Stokeworth brought up this afternoon as they enjoyed a small tea party in the godswood.
"Princess, aren't you afraid that your future husband will not think you charming enough?"
Elia almost snorted into her cup at the thought. Even as young as Shaena was, the signs of her beauty were already showing. The young girl had flawless skin and a heart-shaped face that would no doubt turn many heads in the future. Her deep purple eyes were sharp and bright, and her pale silver-gold hair flowed freely down her back.
"My brother doesn't care about that stuff!" she said with enthusiasm, not talking offense to Falyse's insinuation. It was not surprising. They were much younger than Elia, and so the political jargon that was usually associated in talks between nobles was not present here.
Elia was more interested in something else. "I'm sorry, princess, but did you say your brother? Is he to be your husband?"
She was pretending not to know of the engagement. She wasn't sure how much Shaena had been told about her future.
"Who else?" Shaena tilted her head. "Father told me that I was going to be my brother's queen one day. I'll be his Visenya, and the two of us will ride dragons just like the Conqueror did!"
Why should Elia have expected anything else? Of course the king would have told his daughter about the betrothal.
Ashara said nothing as she drank from her cup in silence.
"But the dragons are gone," Rhae Velaryon said. Her father was cousin to Lucerys Velaryon, the Master of Ships to the king. Like most Velaryons, she had the silver hair and purple eyes that marked her Valyrian descent.
"My brother will bring them back!" Shaena declared with a firm nod. "Uncle Aemon says so! And I believe him. When that happens we'll fly together all the time! You'll see."
The young princess had an active imagination, no doubt about it.
"Before you start thinking about dragons, you'll have to grow up first," Ashara said gently.
Shaena pouted. "I know…."
Despite the fact that she stood in the way of what Elia wanted, the princess was too cute for her own good. Elia wanted to hug her to tease her, but she knew better than that. They were not that close yet.
Before their conversation could continue, Ser Oswell entered the godswood. He nodded toward Ser Willem before turning his gaze on them.
"Princess," he began, "his Grace requests your presence in the throne room immediately. A letter from your brother has arrived."
"Rhaegal!" Shaena immediately bolted from her seat. Due to the dress that she was wearing, she had to lift up the ends of it in order to run properly.
"Princess! Not so fast!" Ser Willem immediately chased after her.
"That girl," Ashara muttered with dry amusement as she made to follow along with the other ladies. "She takes too much after Rhaegal, I swear."
Elia followed as well, pretending not to have heard Ashara, and they were escorted by Ser Oswell. The king had not called for them specifically, but since the knight was not stopping them from following after the princess then they must not have been barred either.
When they reached the throne room, they were met with a full audience. The Great Hall was packed to the brim with courtiers and others alike.
Ser Oswell led them through the crowd toward the Iron Throne. At the bottom of the monstrous chair stood the small council with the other members of the Kingsguard, including her uncle. The queen was also present with prince Daeron, who was looking around with excitement. Somehow Ser Willem had been able to catch up to the princess, and he guided her toward the queen who thanked the knight for his service.
Elia and the others stood to the side with the queen's ladies.
"What do you think is happening?" she leaned in to ask Ashara.
Ashara narrowed her eyes. "I'm not sure."
It was probably more than a simple letter if the king had gathered this many people.
"Well?" King Aerys said from on top the throne as he looked down at the Grand Maester. "What word does my son bring that he had me gather this large crowd?"
Oh? So Rhaegal had asked for this audience?
"Your Grace." Grand Maester Pycelle dipped his head. "I shall now read the second letter, as per the crown prince's instruction."
As he said this, the man procured a letter from his robes. Everyone could see that it was still sealed, so whatever it contained had not been read by anyone, not even the king.
The Grand Maester unsealed it and began to read it out loud in front of the entire court. It began with the usual platitudes, addressing King Aerys directly along with his titles. The letter then talked about how the mission on Skagos had gone without issue and that Rhaegal would have more to say on it once he returned from the North.
'Skagos?' Elia was bewildered. She remembered reading about the isolated island in the North when she was younger, but she had never given the place any thought. It was an island filled with savages that mattered very little in the grand scheme of things.
Except now Rhaegal had gone there….on a mission?
'Is that what the ships were for?'
What had her brother gotten himself involved with?
Based on the way the queen's face twisted in worry, it was clear that she was hearing about this for the first time as well. The members of the small council were also sharing looks of confusion with one another.
Had Rhaegal kept this a secret from everyone?
Many whispers rang in the throne room, all wondering the same thing.
The Grand Maester had paused after finishing the details about Skagos, and Elia figured it was done for dramatic effect. Except even as the whispers died down the man did not continue. His hands were trembling, and his eyes were wide as he stared down at the letter.
Why was he reacting like this?
"Is that it?" Aerys sounded annoyed as he glared down at the Grand Maester.
"Y-Your G-Grace." Elia was sure that she heard the man gulp as he looked up at the king. "The c-crown p-prince….h-he says that he w-was successful in hatching three d-dragon eggs. T-That they are with him at this moment…"
What?
A deep silence filled the Great Hall as the words began to register in everyone's heads.
Elia was certain that she had stopped breathing herself.
Just what was happening!?
The king sprang to his feet, his eyes filled with a burning excitement. "What does it say exactly!? Read it to me!"
He all but shouted down at the Grand Maester while everyone else was still too stunned to say anything.
Mustering his strength, the Grand Maester returned to the letter as he read out loud the words.
"It is with great joy that I must share the news with his Grace. Three dragon eggs were discovered on Skagos, and all three were successfully hatched. One of them has bonded with my brother, whom he has named Aegorax. Another has become mine, whom I have given the name of Ancalagon the Black. The third awaits to be claimed when I return to King's Landing."
There was more from the latter, but by that point Elia had been unable to hear the rest, for her head was filled with nothing but awe and dread.
This news would rock the Seven Kingdoms in more ways than one.